An Online Degree in Photography: Learn How to Take Your Best Shot

Photography is a great degree for those who have an artistic eye and want to be both creative and technical in their professional lives. If you are looking for a degree where you can be your own boss with flexible hours, then obtaining a degree in photography online will give you the skills and education you need to be successful. Doing so online will also allow you to turn your passion into a career while you gain valuable on-job work experience and ensure students loans stay as low as possible.

Many accredited colleges offer online programs in photography at the certificate, associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degree level. Each program will give you the opportunity to learn how to take and manipulate compelling photos in any setting. Depending on the electives you decide to take, you will learn about lighting and composition, visual culture, design, how to use different types of cameras and equipment, photo-editing software, digital photography, developing photos, and color management and printing. Well-rounded professional photographers also gain a wide variety of interdisciplinary skills, including business management, art history, journalism, writing, and communications, advertising, and marketing.

If you already have some work experience, you can obtain a certificate in photography that will help improve your knowledge base by learning about the latest technology and trends in the industry. Certification programs will show your clients that you are dedicated to your craft and have a deep understanding of both the foundational and advanced concepts in photography. You will learn about different kinds of photo editing and enhancement software, and how to shoot high-quality photos in a studio, in action, at a wedding, and more. Certification programs are great for people who want a quick educational program that will give you enough experience to create a portfolio that best displays your work.

A master’s degree and some bachelor’s degree programs will prepare you to open up your own photography business in a variety of different settings. Likewise, you will be able to apply for jobs as a photographer in a number of industries, including news, sports, advertising, travel, fashion, science and medicine, and more. To help you become a qualified candidate in your area of interest, focus your educational projects on an area that you would like to work in so that you can show any potential employers what you have to offer their company.

Nearly half of all photography graduates are self-employed, meaning they either do freelance photography gigs or have their own business, so salaries can range immensely. For those who want a creative, rewarding, and potentially lucrative career that allows you to travel as much as you want in an ever-evolving environment, then a degree in photography is perfect for you.